Wrought-metal connection for plain-end pipe sections



May 29, 1928.

F. SMITH WROUGHT METAL CONNECTION FOR PLAIN END PIPE SECTIONS Fiiled March 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet l Q/ZJ ' May 29, 1928. 1,671,789

F. N. SMITH WROUGHT METAL CONNECTION FOR PLAIN END PIPE SECTIONS Filed March 4, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I wuewtoc May 29, 1928.

. F. N. SMITH WROUGHT METAL CONNECTION FOR PLAIN END PIPE SECTIONS Filed March 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet awvawtoz a ng qttolmua 20 are ordinarily connected Patented May 2 1928- PATENT orr cs. 1

imam: sienna, or snanroan, rmsnvama, assmuon To a n. nnnssnn unnu- COMPANY, -01" BB ADI'QRD, PENNSYLVANIA, A. CORPOIB-ATION OI WBOUGHT-nTAL CONNECTION FOB PLAIN-END PIPE SECTIONS.

Application ma larch 4, m4. Serial xo' 'eaaus.

My invention consists in the novel'features hereinafter described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings which show several-forms in which I have contemplated embodying the invention, selected by me for purposes of illustration and the said invention'is fully disclosed in the following descriptionand claims.

The object of my invention is to provide a wrought metal dpipe fitting for angularly dispose plain en pipe sections, such as are used in pipe lines for conveying natural gas and other fluids, especially in long pipelines extending across the.country, sometimes for 5 many hundreds of miles. These pipe sections consist of c metal pipe, usua portions having aplain c lindrical exterior, without screw threads. hese pipe sections in the line by what is knownoas a rubber packed pipe cou ling, such as is illustrated, for example, in nited States Letters Patent to Solomon R. Dresser, #884,371, dated A couplings are extreme y advantageous for connecting plain end or unthrea ed, pipes when laid in a pi line in substantially axial relation and t ey consist essentially of a middle ring or coupling sleeve, rovlded no withan interior centering stop an a packmg recess at eitherv end, packing rings for engaging the packing recess an the exterior of the pipe sections. to be connected, clamping rings for engaging the packing rings and colmpressing then}, and bolts engaging the c amping rings. or compressing the packing "rings. These rubber packed pipe couplings 4 es in temperature, and also slight variatlons from the axial relation of the connected pi e sections, which enables them to be lai over hills and down throu h valleys, and also permits a, very gra ual deviation of the plfi line from a straight line where this may necessary or desirable. In the laying of pipe lines of this character it is frequently necessary to connect plain end pipe sections which'are disposed at an angle to each other, as in connecting a branch line with the main line, .for exampl, which branch line. may extend at right angles or any other angle to the main inc, and also where it is to accommodate chang lindrical pieces of wrought y of iron or steel, the end ril 14, 1908' .greater' internal diameter t permit a certain amount ofendwis'e moyementtof "the connected pipes I line with each necessary to connect the pipes of a main line or branch line disposed at'right angles or any other angular relation with each other greater than would be possible to accommodate with the ordinary rubber packed pipe coupling and necessitating some form of angular connection or elbow coupling for the purpose. a

-I' the accompanying drawings,

1 represents an elevation, partly. in

section of a wrought metal pipe fitting for connecting plain end, adjacent pipe sections of a pipe line witha branch line extending at any desired angle to the main line, said fitting bein provided with a branch of substantially t e same exterior and interior diameters as the plairi end pipe sections of the branch line. I. Fig. 2 represents an end elevation of the fitting illustrated in Fig. 1. V

Fig. 3 is a view'similar to Fig. 1 illustrating a modification of my invention, in which the wrought meta-l fittlng is provided with twooppositely arran ed branches of fian the external pipe sections of diameter of the plain end to which they are con,-

the branch lines, jnecte'd.

Fig. 4 is an elevation, partly in section showmga modified form of m 1 improved wrought metal fitting arranged ot the connection of adjacent pi sections, in either a main or branch line w ich are disposed at a considerable angle to each other.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1, illustratin a slightly modified form of my wroug t metal fitting for connecting a branch line to a main e, the branch pipe being shown as of the same size as the adjacent plain end pipes" of the branch line, and having its axis disposed at an angle of substantially' 45f to the axis of the coupling sleeve, for connecting the main line sections. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, 1 1, represent plain, end pipe sections forming part'of a main line. an disposed in substantlall axial other, which it is desired to connect tolgether and to a branch line disposed in t angles to the axes of the 'main line pipe sections. 2 represents an elongated coupling sleeve of wrought metal havingan. internal diameter preferably somewhat great than t e ex ernal diameter of the pipe tions,

is instancesubstantially at right 1--1, to be connected, and provided adjacent to each end with what I term a pipe engaging portion, 3, of reduced diameter, the internal diameter of which reduced portion substantially fits the exterior of the adjacent pipe section, leaving only suflicient clearance to accommodate variations in the exterior surface of the pipe section. The sleeve, 2, is provided at each end with an outwardly extending packing engaging flange, 4, forming an annular conical packing recess within the same, and between it and the exterior surface of the pipe. 5-5 represents compressible packing rings adapted to surround the adjacent pipe sections and provided with conical portions to fit said packing recesses, said packing rings having enlarged exterior portions outside of the packing recessto fit within a packing recess formed in a wrought metal clamping ring with which each end of the sleeve, 2, is provided. Each of these clamping rings conbeyond the adjacent wall sist of an annular plate portion, 6, and an annular flange portion, 7, to engage the exterior portion of the adjacent packing ring. The plate ortion, of each packing ring is provided wlth a circular series'of bolt holes for the reception of clamping bolts, 8, provided with nuts, 9, for compressing the packing rings between the flanges, 4, and the exterior of the adjacent pipe. section, so as to make a perfectly tight joint. In this instance the sleeve, 2, is provided at one side between its ends with an and about centrall d at 10, to receive and fit aperture, indicate a branch pipe, 11, of wrought metal, which is inserted into said aperture and extends within the sleeve, 2, far enough to serve as a stop 11, to 'revent pipe sections, 1, from being inserted in thesleeve from either end of the branch pipe, 11, as clearly indicated in Fig. 1. The branch pipe is welded in the aperture, 10, of

- the sleeve, 2, and I prefer to perform the in Fig. 1, and comprises the welding operation on an electric weldin machine and with a welding rod, to form fillets, indicated at 12 and 13, respectively on the exterior and interior of the sleeve, 2, following the edge of the aperture, 10, and uniting saidedge to the exterior of the branch pipe, 11, thereby making a tight joint and rigi 1y connecting the sleeve, 2, and branch pipe, 11. In Fig. 1 I have shown the branch pipe, 11, as being of the same internal and external diameters as the adjacent pipe section, 14, of the branch line,'to which the branch, 11, is to be connected, and in such case the branch, 11, may be connected to the adjacentbranch ipe section, 14, by means of one of the well nown rubber packed pipe couplings before referred to. Such a coupling is illustrated middlering or 15, having a centering stop, 16, and 17, and packing 19, and connectsleeve, packing engaging flanges, rings, 18, clamping plates,

are in line with the branch pipe,

'tions from the axial employ short bolts extending from each.

clamping ring to anchoring'devices provided on the exterior of the sleeve adjacent to each end of the same, as hereinafter more particularlyfdescribed; In the form of my invention illustrated in Fi s. 1 and 2 I have shown a series of througholts, indicated at 8, for directly connecting the two flanges, 6

Where, however, certain of the bolt holes- 11, it is obviously, not possible to employ a throughbolt, and in such case I provide wrought metal anchor lugs, indicated at 21, on the exterior of the sleeve, 2, welded to the sleeve, preferably by means of the electric welding machine and a welding rod, andthe formation of fillets, 22, as shown, which anchor lugs are connected to the adjacent clamping.

ring by means of short bolts, 23, and nuts, 24. It will be understood that the fitting illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 will form a positive and tight connection between the axially aligned plain end pipe sections, 1-1, of the main line and the plain end pipe section, 14, of the branch line, and will at the same time permit of longitudinal movements of the main line pipe sections and branch line pipe section 'with respect to the fitting which may be caused by variations of temperature, and will also permit slight variations or deviaposition of the main line pipe sections, 11, with respect to each other and of the adjacentbranch line pipe section. 14, with respect to the branch pipe, 11, without interfering with the tightness and general reliabilityof the joints.

Referring to Fig. 3, which illustrates a slight modification of my invention, 1- represent two plain end pipe sections of the main line to be connected, in this case with two branch lines. the adjacent pipe sections of which are indicated at I l -14, so that the fitting is in the form of a cross. In such case the sleeve may be formed in the manner shown in Fig. 1, and provided with two, branch pipes 'instead of one, disposed oppositely to each other and welded in suitable apertures formed in the sleeve, in the manner clearly shown in Fig. 1 and hereinbefore described. I prefer, branch pipes are to be inserted. to formv the wrought metal sleeve, here indicated at 2, of two separately formed sections, suitably mitred to receive and engage mitred porhowever, where two tion, in ,this case,

- l1 11, the several tions of the wrought metal branches, 1 sections, 2, and 11, be ing united by welding, and preferably on the electric welding machine, by the use of a welding rod and the formation of'fillets, 12*-13, on the exterior and interior respectively ofthesleeve sections, 2, as indicated in Fig. 3. I prefer to have portions of the nner ends of the branch pipes, 11, extend nwardly, as indicated at 11, far enough into the adjacent sleeve section to form stops to prevent the adjacent main line pipe sections, 1, from being inserted into the sleeve beyond the nearest walls of the branch pipes or branches, 11.

It will be understood that the branch pipes may be of the same internal and external diameters, as the adjacent pipe sections of the branch line, asindicated in Fig. 1 or as indicated in Fig. 3, they may be 01' greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the adjacent branch pipe sec- 14. \Vhere this construction is employed, each branch pipe will be provided adjacent to its outer end with a pipe engaging portion, 25, to substantially fit the adjacent branch pipe section, 14,

leaving only sufiicient clearance to accommodate inequalities in the exterior surface of the pipe section and the'outer end of the branch will be provided with a packing engaging flange, 26, an annular packing ring, 27, and wrought metalclamping ring, 28,

similar to the packing rings and clamping rings hereinbefore described. "I prefer to provide each of the branch pipes with a wrought metalanchor ring, 29, welded to the branch pipe, preferably by means of the electric welding machine and welding rod, and the format'on of fillets, 3031. and to connect the anchor ring with the clamping ring, 28, 'by means of short bolts, 32, and nuts, 33, asshown in Fig. 3. stance the outer ends of the sleeve sections, 2, are each provided with a reduced portion 3 and the packing engaging flange, 4?, annular packing ring, 5", wrought metal clamping ring, 6, with packingengaging flange, 7, constructed substantially like the corresponding parts illustrated in Fig. 1. In this instance eachv of the sleeve sections, 2. is provided with an anchor ring, 34, welded to the respective ,sleeve sections, preferably by the electric welding machine and welding rod, and the formation of fillets, 3536. The anchor rings, 34, are each connected to the adjacent clamping rings, 6', by short bolts, 23". and nuts, 24".

t I wish it to be understood that in the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, I may, if preferred, dispense with the use of through-bolts-and provide the sleex e w th anchor flanges, like those shown in Fig. 3, and connect each of these anchor flanges directly with the adjacent clamping ring by In this inb be inserted therein,

r'ng, 6", provided with the means of short bolts, if desired. I also wish it to be understood that where my improved fittings are provided with one or more branches, such branches may be made either of the same internal and external diameters, as the adjacent branch pipe section, as indicated in Fig. 1, or in the form illustrated in Fig. 3, as preferred. Where I employ the form of branch having its internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the adjacent pipe section,it isdes'rable to provide suitable stops to prevent the adjacent branch pipe, 14 (or 14) from being inserted too far into the branch. I have shown in Fig. 3-one or more (preferably two) stops, 37, welded to the interior of the br'anch pipe, 11, and preferably by means of the electric welding machine and welding rod, and the formation of fillets connecting said -stops with the interior face of the branch, these stops projecti'ng inward far enough so that they may be engaged by the end of the adjacent branch pipe section to limit the extent to which the branch pipe section, 14", can be inserted intothe branch, 11. I also wish it to be understood that in constructing the fitting illustrated in F5 g. 3, I may dispense with one of the branches, if desirable, the adjacent sections, 2*, of the sleeve being correspondingly formed and mitred to accommodate one of the branches, 11.

In Fig. modification of my invention, in which the sleeve portion is constructed so as to connect the main line (or branch line) plain end pipe sections, disposed at an ang e to each other. instead of being in substantially axial relation. In this figure, 2"2", represent wrought metal sleeve sections having their inner ends cut and mitred so as to meet each other, and the edgesof a third section, illustrated .at- 2, the three sections, 2"2" eing welding machne by the aid of a welding rod and the formation of fillets, 12" and 13", on the exterior and interior faces of the' sleeve, and uniting the meeting edges of the parts in the manner shown, so as to form an angular sleeve or elbow. The inner portion of each of the sleeve sections, 2", is of greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the pipe section, 1", to

and each of said sections is provided adjacent-to its outer end with a lpe engaging portion, 3, of reduced internal diameterto substantially fit the plain end pipe section, with the usual clearance, and at its outegiend each sleeve section, 2", is provided with the packing engaging flange, 4 to engage the packing ring, 5', which is in turn engaged by the clamping ange member, 7", surrounding the outer portions of the packing ring. Each of the pipe sections,

2", is provided with an anchor ring, 34",

4 I have illustrated another slight I Hi)" welded, preferably on the electrid short bolts, 23 and nuts 24",

machine and welding rod,

.said stops,

pressing the packing rings welded to the exterior of the sleeve section, preferably by means, of an electric welding and the forma tion of annular fillets, 35-36, which se cure the anchor flange to the sleeve section, preferably adjacent to the inner end of the reduced portion, 3". Each of the sleeve sections, 2", is also provided internally with one or more (preferably two) oppositely disposed stops or projections, 37, welded to the interiorsurface of the enlarged portion of each of said sections,2, preferably by means of theelectric welding machine and welding rod, forming fillets on oppositesides of the stop, securing them to the adjacent face oft-he sleeve section, 2". These stops performtwo junctions. They prevent the pipe' sections 1" from being pushed too far, or further than necessary, into the sleeve section, 2", while atthe same time they afiord a guide to the workmen emplo ed in connecting the pipe sections, so that t iey may know/by the engagement of the pipesections, 1", with that they have inserted the pipe sections far enough within the sleeve members so that they will not be likely to be withdrawn from engagement with thepacking rings by the contraction of the pi e sections, and sleeve members, due to c anges of temperature. It will be noted that by means of the fitting shown 'in Fig. 4, two plain end pipe sect1ons,.1, dis osed at an angle to each other, can be readi y connected and when the parts are assembled as shown in this figure, the joint can be made perfectly tight by connecting the anchor rings with the adjacent clamping rings by means of thereby combetween the flanges, 4" and 7", and the exterior of the plain end pipe sections. It will be undersitood that, while the construction shown in their axes extending atright angles to eac other, the mitred faces of the sleeve sections, 2"--- may be so constructed as to enable the fitting to connect two pipe sections having their axes disposed at any desired angle and without alterin the other parts of the fittin illustrated in ig. 4.

In Fig. 5 have illustrated another modification of my im roved fitting for connecting two plain en wrought metal pipe sections, 11, having their axes insubstantial alignment and at the same time providing means for attaching the pipe sections of a branch line extending angularly therefrom. In this figure, 2, represents the wrought metal coupling sleeve. which is provided with a central portion of enlarged diameter having its internal diameter greater than the external diameter'of the pipe sections to be connected in aligned relation therewith, and provided adjacent to each e d with a reduced pipe engaging portion,

the branch pipe line. branch pipe, 11, andthe adjacent pipe line .with a centering stop, 16,-

4 will connect pipe sections having.

branch pipe, 11, 1s united to the. sleeve, 2, by welding and preferably by the use Of an electric welding machine and welding rod,

from which is formed fillets, 12"-13, overlapping the meeting edges of the sleeve aperture and branch ipe and welded to the sleeve and branc thereby uniting the branch and sleeve and forming a gas tight joint between them. In Fig. 5 the branch pipe, 11, is shown as being of smaller diameter thanthe pipe sections, 1, and as being of the same internal and external di-- ameter as the adjacent pipe sections, 14, of In such case the section, 14, both of which have plain ends, may be conveniently united by an ordinary pipe coupling in a manner sunilar to that shown in Fig. 1, the pipe coupling, however, being of a smaller size than those used in connecting the pipe sections, 1, of the main line. As shown in Fig. 5,,the pipe coupling comprises the middle ring,

and packing engaging flanges, 17, packing rings, 18, and clamping rings, 19, connected by clamping bolts, 20, in the usual manner, and thus forming a tight joint between the branch, 11, and the adjacent pipe section, 14, of the branch line. The clampin rings, 6, of the sleeve, 2, may be connectet by throughbolts, as in Fig. 1, or the sleeve, 2, may be provided with anchor flanges connected by the short bolts, to the adjacent clamping ring,as in Fig. 3.. In this particular in stance L have, shown the clamping rings, 6, directly connected by through-bolts, 8, and the bolts so disposed in the bolt circle that the through bolts will pass on opposite sides of the branch pipe, 11. If this were not convenient or desirable, and it becomes necessary to have one or more bolts for the sleeve in direct line with the branch line, the sleeve will be provided with the necessary anchor lugs and short bolts at these points, as indicated in Fig. 1, but this will not be necessary where the branch pipe is considerably smaller in diameter. than the sleeve, and in the smaller size of these fittings. The sleeve. 2, isalso provided adjacent to each end with one or more stops, 37, (preferably two di posed ppos t ly) welded to 10, to receive the 15, provided engaging 1 laying of a pipe line, and

outwardly packing and clampin plain the interior of the enlarged portion of the sleeve, 2, to limit the extent to which the pipe sections, 1, can be inserted into the sleeve, and to serve as-a guide to insure that the pipe sections shall be inserted far enough, while preventing them from being inserted too far so as to partially close the branch aperture, 10.

It will be understood that my improved fitting can be readily made by slightly moditying the shapes of the described parts so as to serve for the connection of plain end pipe sections disposed at any desired angle to each other and for the connection of a branch pipe line, or lines, to a main line at any desired angle to the axis of the main line, These fittings being composed entirelyof wrought metal, are much lighter than cast metal fittings, and are therefore much easier to handle and transport. These fittings are also fluid tight and are entirely free from the porosities, sand holes, and other defects characteristic of cast iron constructions, while the angularly disposed portions being welded together, are as strong or stronger at the joints than at the other portions thereof, so that these fittin s can be manufactured at very reasonab e expense, and can be readily adapted to meet the various exigencies which arise in to the connection of a branch line or lines tliereto. I What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is v v 1. In a wrought metal fitting for angularly disposed plain end pipes, the combination with a one piece cylindrical sleeve member provided at at least one end with an integral flared packing engaging flange for forming a packing recess between it and the plain'end of an adjacent pipe section, a compressible wiring for said recess, a clamping ring or engaging said packing, and means for connecting said clamping ring with the cylindrical sleeve member, 7 of a separately formed cylindrical branch member having its axis disposed angularly to the axis of said sleeve member, welded to said sleeve memberand communicatin interiorly therewith, said branch member eing pro vided with means including compressible means therefor, for

pipe coupling to said connecting a plain en branch member. I p a 2. In a wrought metal fittingfor angularly disposed pi s, the combination with a; one piece cylin rical' sleeve member provided adjacent to each end with a portion of reduced diameter to receive a plain end pipe section, the "portions of said :sleeve between the reduced portions being of greater, diain=- eter, said sleeve having at each end integral outwardly flared marginalportions forming a packing recess between it and the adjacent pipe section, compressible packings for said recess, clamping rin for compressingsai rately formed c lindrical branch mem r having its axis is osed angularly to that of said sleeve member, and communicating therewith, and electrically welded thereto, the outer end of said branch member being and clamping bolts-L packings, of a se aprovided with coupling means including compressible ackin clampin ring, and clamping bolts there or for cougli end vpipe section thereto. v I 3. In a wrought metal fitting for angular- 1y disposed pi es, the combination with a one piece cylin rical sleeve member provided adjacent to each end with a portion of reduced diameter to receive a plain end pipe section, the portions of said sleeve between the reduced pbrtions being of'greater diameter, said sleeve havin at each end integral outwardly flared marginal portions forming a packing recess between it and the adjacent pipe section, compressible packings for said recess, clamping rin an clamping bolts for compressing sai ackings, of a se arately formed 7 cylindrical branch mem r having its axis disposed angularly to that of said sleeve member, and communicating therewith, and electrically welded thereto, the outer end of saidbranch member being provided with coupling means including compressible packin clamping ring, and damping bolts there or for coupling'a plain en said said sleeve, and ends of the pipe ranch pi e projecting inwardly into eing interposed between the sections connected thereby,

and serving *as a stopto limit the inward. movement of said pipe sections in assembling for compressing sai ackings, ofa; se arately formed cylindrical branchmem rj having its axis dis sed angularly. to that of said sleeve memhzr, and communicating therewith, and electrically welded thereto, the outer end of said branch member being provided with couplin compressible packing, c amping ring, an

clamping bolts therefor for con ling-a plain end pipe section thereto, the inner end of ng a plain ipe section thereto,.theinner end of i means includin Ill! recess bet-ween it and the adjacent -pipe section, H5

and clamping bolts V said branch pipe projecting inwardly into said sleeve, and being interposed between the ends of the. pipe sections connected thereby, and serving as a stop to limit the inward eter, saidsleeve having at each end integral outwardly flared marginal portions forming a packing recess between it and the adjacent pipe section, compressible parkings for said recess, clamping rings and clamping bolts for compressing said packings, of a separately formed cylindrical branch member having its axis disposed angularly to that of said sleeve member, and communicating therewith, and electrically welded there- .to, the outer -end of said branch member being provided with coupling means including compressible packin clamping ring, andclamping bolts there or for coupling a plain end pipe section thereto, the inner end of said branch pipe projecting inwardly into said sleeve, and being interposed between the ends of the pipe sections connected thereby, and serving as a stop to limit the inward movement of said pipe sections in assembling the fitting in connection therewith, said sleeve beingprovided. with anchoring devices formed separately and welded thereto, adj acentto its ends for engaging clamping bolts.

6. In a wrought metal fitting for angularly disposed pipes, the combination with a one piece cylindrical sleeve member provided adjacent to each end with a portion or reduced diameter to receive a plain end pipe section, the portions of said sleeve between the reduced portionsbeing of greater diameter, said sleeves having at each end integral outwardly flared marginal portions forming a packing recess between it and the adjacent pipe section, compressible packings for said recess, clampingrings and clamping bolts for compressing said packings, of a separately formed cylindrical branch member having its axis disposed angularly to that of said sleeve member,

clampin and communicating therewith, and electrically welded thereto, the outer end of said branch member being provided with coupling means includin compressible packing, ring, andc ampingbolts therefor plain end pipe section thereto, the inner end of said branch pipe projecting inwardly into said sleeve, and being interposed between the ends of the pipe sections connected thereby, and serving as a stop to limit the inward movement of said pipe sections in assembling the fittin in connection therewith, certain of the c amping bolts for the sleeve extending from one clamping ring to the other, said sleeve being provided on the side adjacent to said branch member with separately, formed anchoring devices welded to said sleeve, the clampin bolts of the sleeve in alignment with sai branch member being connected to said for coup ing a anchoring devices and to the adjacent flange member.

7 In a wrought metal fitting for angularly disposed pipes, the combination with a one piece cylindrical its central portion of greater diameter than the pipes to be connected, and provided at each end with a reduced portion adapted to fit around a plain end pipe section, and having its mar inal portlons flared outwardly to form pac ing recesses, annular compressible'packin ing rings or said bolts, said sleeve be n provided with a lateral aperture, of a cy indrical branch member projecting through said aperture commu'nicating with the interior of the sleeve,

-and having its inner end portions projecting into said sleeve between the ends of the pipe sections connected thereby, so as to serve as stops to limit said pipe sections in assembling, said branch member having its axis disposed angularly to that of the sleeve, and being united thereto b electric welding and the formation of a llet surrounding said. branch member on the exterior and on the interior of said sleeve, said branch member being provided with means including annular compressible packing and clamping means therefor, for uniting it to a plain end pipe section.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

FRANK N. SMITH.

sleeve member having s engaging said recesses, clamppackings', and clamping 

